just in

Indian captain Chhetri equals Messi's tally

Sunil Chhetri equals Messi's record of being the joint second highest scorer among active players as Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list

India's football captain Sunil Chhetri Sunday joined Argentine star Lionel Messi as the second highest international goal scorer among active players with his 64th strike for the country.

Chhetri scored twice in his team's 2-0 win over Kenya to lift the Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai that saw another good crowd turnout after the the star striker's appeal for fan support earlier in the tournament.

The 33-year-old Chhetri scored in the eighth and the 29th minute to get equal with Messi. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo leads the active players' scoring tally with 81 goals from 150 matches.

"I am not taking that too seriously. There is no comparison (with Messi). I am a big fan (of him) and happy scoring goals for the country," Chhetri, who scored eight goals in the four-nation tournament, said after the win.

"We want to win matches, we want to win trophies for the country. We are in the ascendancy right now. It's just the start. Hope we could get more games and prepare for 2019 Asia Cup."

The national team are 97th in the Fifa rankings, having risen from 166th in 2015 when English coach Stephen Constantine was appointed.

What a feeling! Thank you, India! This win is for the fans who filled the stands, cheered from home and backed and believed in us. The boys and staff pulled together and now it’s time to enjoy. We regroup soon because the road is long - very long. #Championspic.twitter.com/xar3pR9Ki0